Why it is time to leave X and build real influence on LinkedIn

For many charities, the last argument for staying on X (formerly Twitter) has always been influence.

Even as the platform became more toxic, many communications directors held the line.

They argued that it was still the place to reach politicians, journalists and policymakers. It was the digital lobby.

But that argument is running on fumes.

The sector is already leaving

You might feel like leaving X is a radical step, but the data suggests you are actually behind the curve.

Analysis from Madeleine Sugden in January 2026 shows that a significant “X-odus” is underway - and that charities have been suspending their Twitter accounts in waves since November 2022. They’ve found that major household names like the RNLI, Cancer Research UK and the British Red Cross have effectively stopped broadcasting on the platform, shifting to a “replies only” model or absolute silence.

Others have been more direct more recently, in response to Grok, X’s AI tool, has been used to generate harmful images. Organisations like the RSPB, Women’s Aid and Winston’s Wish have publicly announced their departure. They aren’t just drifting away; they are making a conscious strategic decision to put their resources elsewhere.

The cost of alignment

We have reached a point where the values of the platform are fundamentally incompatible with the values of the charity sector.

It is no longer about enduring abuse or navigating bots. The tools built into the platform are now actively working against the people many charities exist to support.

Chayn, a global non-profit supporting survivors of gender-based violence, recently called for users to pull the plug on Grok. They highlighted how X’s AI tool is being used to generate non-consensual sexual imagery of women and girls.

For organisations dedicated to safeguarding, equity and human rights, maintaining a presence on a platform that facilitates this kind of harm is becoming impossible to justify.

The professional advantage of LinkedIn

The good news is that the alternative isn’t just a lifeboat. It is actually a better vessel.

Charity leaders are finding that LinkedIn is now the most effective channel for public affairs and policy work.

In our recent retrospective meeting with digital leaders from across the sector, a clear theme emerged. Foundations and charities reported that LinkedIn is currently the leading social channel delivering genuine impact for their public affairs work.

One leader noted that since leaving X, their organisation uses LinkedIn for corporate activation and thought leadership. They are reaching more senior talent and seeing a 15% uplift in engagement.

Another highlighted that it provides a “safer space” for policy work. This means less concern for your team’s welfare, better mental health and more effective communications.

Why the conversation is better

The reason for this shift is structural.

On X, anonymity and lack of verification is baked into the platform and fuels hostility.

On LinkedIn, the majority of users engaging in policy discussions have verified accounts linked directly to their employers.

This creates a layer of professional accountability. People are far less likely to send abuse when their job title and company logo are sitting right next to their comment.

It turns the “town square” into a conference hall. The debate might still be heated, bringing in opposing views, but it is far more likely to remain constructive.

Moving your influence

You do not need to be on X to be part of the political conversation.

Politicians and journalists are already on LinkedIn. They are looking for credible data, expert analysis and professional discourse.

For example, my local councillor, who I speak to regularly through my work on the residents association has never been more active on LinkedIn - and we are both already seeing the benefits of connecting through the platform.

If the elected officials you are trying to influence are already prioritising this space, you need to be there to meet them.

By moving your public affairs focus to LinkedIn, you are not just making an ethical stand.

You are moving your message to a room where people are actually listening, rather than just shouting.